Method for knitting rope-form patterns in tubular knitted fabric

ABSTRACT

An object is to make it possible to provide a method for knitting a cable pattern in a tubular knitted fabric with high productivity. Two groups of knitting stitches to be crossed are arranged in alignment on one needle bed and crossed when they are transferred to the other needle bed, and the crossed groups of knitting stitches are securely hooked onto front and back needle beds so as to form a cable pattern in a portion extending over both needle beds.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for forming a cable pattern in a tubular knitted fabric produced by a pair of needle beds disposed at front and back.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A standard flat knitting machine (2-bed) having a pair of needle beds at front and back or a flat knitting machine (4-bed) having another pair of needle beds in addition to the needle beds of the flat knitting machine mentioned above is known for knitting, for example, a tubular knitted fabric. Numerous needles are implanted in rows in the needle beds of the flat knitting machines. Knitting yarn is fed through a yarn feeding inlet from the needles of the front needle bed to the needles of the back needle bed or vice versa to go around, thus allowing a tubular knitted fabric to be produced.

[0003] A typical knitting method for forming a cable pattern in such a tubular knitted fabric, which is an object of the present invention, will be explained.

[0004] The cable pattern is formed by crossing adjacent knitting stitches to switch them, so that it is called a cross pattern or a cable pattern. The patterns are called cable patterns of 1×1, 2×2, 3×3 . . . , depending on the number of crossed knitting stitches.

[0005] In addition to the cable patterns having the same numbers of the mutually crossed knitting stitches as mentioned above, cable patterns of combinations of different numbers of crossed knitting stitches as 1×2, 1×3, 2×3 . . . can be also obtained. Furthermore, two more different combinations are possible, namely, whether a right or left knitting stitch or a group of knitting stitches is set on the upper side of crossing when crossing the right or left knitting stitch or the group of knitting stitches.

[0006] For example, a method for knitting a 3×3 cable pattern by a 2-bed flat knitting machine previously proposed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 8-113853 is known.

[0007] FIG. 3 through FIG. 6 in the publication show an example in which a 3×3 cable pattern is formed at the right edge of a sweater by the 2-bed flat knitting machine.

[0008] A left group of knitting stitches {circle over (1)}{circle over (2)}{circle over (3)} that cross knitting needles H, I and J of a front needle bed is locked, while a group of knitting stitches {circle over (4)}{circle over (5)}{circle over (6)} on the right side of the cross is hooked on knitting needles j, i and h of a back needle bed. The group of knitting stitches on the right side is located on the upper side by crossing, forming the 3×3 cable pattern. The crossing is accomplished primarily according to the following procedure.

[0009] After completing separate knitting in FIG. 4-2, the knitting stitch {circle over (3)} is transferred to knitting needle G of the back needle bed in FIG. 4-3, and knitting stitch {circle over (2)} is transferred to knitting needle H of the back needle bed in FIG. 4-4. Subsequently, knitting stitch {circle over (4)} is transferred to knitting needle h of the front needle bed in FIG. 4-5, knitting stitch {circle over (5)} is transferred to knitting needle i of the front needle bed in FIG. 5-1, and knitting stitch {circle over (6)} is transferred to knitting needle j of the front needle bed in FIG. 5-2.

[0010] Knitting stitch {circle over (1)} is transferred to knitting needle I of the back needle bed in the next FIG. 5-3, then knitting stitches {circle over (4)}{circle over (5)}{circle over (6)} are transferred to knitting needles hij of the back needle bed in FIG. 5-4 so as to arrange the knitting stitches in the order of {circle over (3)}{circle over (2)}{circle over (4)}{circle over (1)}{circle over (5)}{circle over (6)} from the left. At this time, idle needles g and j exist between knitting stitches {circle over (3)} and {circle over (2)} and between knitting stitches {circle over (5)} and {circle over (6)}.

[0011] Subsequently, in FIG. 5-5, the group of knitting stitches {circle over (4)}{circle over (5)}{circle over (6)} is transferred to knitting needles H, I and J of the front needle bed. In FIG. 6-1, the group of knitting stitches {circle over (1)}{circle over (2)}{circle over (3)} is transferred to the front needle bed so that they are respectively positioned among the group of knitting stitches {circle over (4)}{circle over (5)}{circle over (6)}. Thereafter, the group of knitting stitches {circle over (1)}{circle over (2)}{circle over (3)} are transferred to the back needle bed in FIG. 6-2 to complete the crossing.

[0012] In the cable pattern formed according to the procedure described above, the knitting stitches transferred to the front and back needle beds are twisted. FIG. 8 illustrates a method in which the yarn feeding direction for the knitting stitches to be transferred is reversed to form pre-twisted knitting stitches, then the pre-twisted stitches are untwisted in the following stitch transfer step.

[0013] The method described in the above publication has been posing a problem in that each knitting stitches of the crossing group of knitting stitches is moved by jumping over the other group of knitting stitches, thus requiring much labor with consequent low productivity.

[0014] Moreover, the tubular knitted fabric includes ribbed knit or the like. Hence, if the so-called “skipped needle” mode in which every other knitting needles of a needle bed is used, then the crossing causes the moving distance of knitting stitches that jump over the other group of knitting stitches to become long. This has been presenting a problem in that yarn easily brakes, preventing knitting speed from being increased.

[0015] Furthermore, as the number of crossing knitting stitches increases, it becomes difficult to secure idle needles for depositing knitting stitches.

[0016] The present invention has been proposed in view of the problems described above, and it is an object of the invention to make it possible to provide a method for knitting a cable pattern in a tubular knitted fabric with high productivity.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0017] To fulfill the above object, a method for knitting a cable pattern in a tubular knitted fabric in accordance with the present invention is a method for knitting a cable pattern in a tubular knitted fabric whereby to form a cable pattern in a fabric knitted into a tubular shape by a flat knitting machine equipped with at least a pair of front and back needle beds, wherein one group of knitting stitches of groups of knitting stitches to be crossed in a knitted fabric portion extending over the knitting needles of both needle beds is transferred to the other group of knitting stitches, beginning with the knitting stitches at the edge thereof so as to arrange them at an edge of a knitting portion of the tubular knitted fabric on either the front or the back needle bed, both groups of the arranged knitting stitches are transferred to the other needle bed and crossed when they are transferred from the other needle bed back to the one needle bed, and the group of knitting stitches on the inner edge of the crossed two groups of knitting stitches is moved back to the other needle bed, beginning with the knitting stitches on the edge thereof so as to knit the cable pattern on a side edge of the tubular knitted fabric.

[0018] Next, a tubular knitted fabric is produced in a state wherein the groups of knitting stitches to be crossed with an end portion of either the front or back needle bed has been arranged, both groups of the arranged knitting stitches are transferred to the other needle bed and crossed when they are transferred from the other needle bed back to the one needle bed, and the group of knitting stitches on the inner edge of the crossed two groups of knitting stitches is moved back to the other needle bed, beginning with the knitting stitches on the edge thereof so as to further knit the tubular knit fabric.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 is a front view of a sweater of a tubular knitted fabric in which cable patterns have been formed on sideline portions.

[0020]FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view schematically showing cable pattern portions.

[0021]FIG. 3 is a course diagram for forming the cable patterns.

[0022]FIG. 4 is a course diagram for forming the cable patterns.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0023] The following will describe an embodiment related to a method for knitting a cable pattern in a tubular knitted fabric according to the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0024]FIG. 1 shows a schematic front view of a seamless sweater (tubular knitted fabric) with cable patterns formed on right and left sideline portions. FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view showing the configurations of the cable patterns formed on the sideline portions (side edge portions) wherein reference numeral 1 in the drawing denotes a 3×3 cable pattern formed in a seamless sweater 2. The 3×3 cable pattern 1 is formed of three knitting stitches (a group of knitting stitches) that are crossed. The knitting procedure thereof will be explained in conjunction with FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

[0025] The flat knitting machine used in this example to implement the method for knitting the cable patterns in the sideline portions of the seamless sweater 2 is a 2-bed flat knitting machine operated in the so-called “skipped needles” mode in which every other knitting needles of the needle bed are used.

[0026] In FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the numbers on the left side indicate the numbers of courses for forming the cable pattern, an alphabet FB denotes the front needle bed, BB denotes the back needle bed, and the alphabets shown on the upper or lower side of each needle bed denote knitting needles.

[0027] Furthermore, the alphanumeric symbols on the right side denote the amount of racking (moving) (the number of pitches) and the direction of the back needle bed when the state in which the formation of the cable pattern (course 1 in FIG. 3) is begun with the front and back needle beds being ready is defined as the reference position (0P).

[0028] Symbol ◯ of each needle bed denotes a knitting stitch hooked on a knitting needle of the front needle bed operated to form the cable pattern. Similarly, symbol  denotes a knitting stitch hooked on a knitting needle of the back needle bed. Symbol {cube root} denotes knitting stitches of the front and back needle beds other than the knitting stitches denoted by ◯ and .

[0029] An elastic knitting portion 3 of the bottom of the sweater 2 shown in FIG. 1 is knitted, and in the course 2 in which the back needle bed is racked 1 pitch rightward from the state wherein the formation of the cable pattern indicated by course 1 in FIG. 3 is started, the knitting stitch on a knitting needle k at right end of the back needle bed is transferred onto a knitting needle 1 of the front needle bed, and the knitting stitch on a knitting needle F at the left end of the front needle bed is transferred onto a knitting needle E of the back needle bed.

[0030] Thus, the tubular knitted fabric in the knitting process on the front and back needle beds has turned one lap clockwise.

[0031] The term “turn” in the present invention does not mean that the entire knitted fabric moves; it refers to an event in which knitting stitches on one end of the front needle bed increase, while the knitting stitches on the other end decrease, making the knitted fabric look as if it had turned.

[0032] Next, in course 3, the back needle bed is racked 5 pitches rightward to transfer the knitting stitch on a knitting needle i at the right end of the back needle bed onto a knitting needle n of the front needle bed, and the knitting stitch on a knitting needle H at the left end of the front needle bed is transferred onto a knitting needle C of the back needle bed. Thus, the tubular knitted fabric in the knitting process on the front and back needle beds has turned clockwise another lap.

[0033] In course 4, the back needle bed is racked 9 pitches rightward to transfer the knitting stitch on a knitting needle g at the right end of the back needle bed onto a knitting needle p of the front needle bed, and the knitting stitch on a knitting needle J at the left end of the front needle bed is transferred onto a knitting needle A of the back needle bed. Thus, the tubular knitted fabric in the knitting process on the front and back needle beds has undergone still another clockwise turn.

[0034] As a result, the knitting stitches that were on the knitting needles g, i and k on the end of the back needle bed in course 1 have been sequentially fed to the front needle bed, so that knitting needles f, h, j and l, n, p forming the cable pattern on the right side of the sweater 2 are arranged in alignment.

[0035] The knitting stitches that were on the knitting needles F, H and J at the end portion of the front needle bed have been sequentially fed to the back needle bed. As a result, the knitting stitches forming the cable pattern on the left side are arranged adjacently in alignment on knitting needles A, C, E and G, I, K of the back needle bed.

[0036] In course 5, the back needle bed is racked 8 pitches rightward from the reference position, and from course 4 and after, the back needle bed is racked 1 pitch leftward. The knitting stitches on the knitting needles f, h, j and l, n, p arranged in alignment on the front needle bed are temporarily transferred onto knitting needles X, Z, b and d, f, h of the back needle bed that oppose the above needles. Similarly, the knitting stitches on knitting needles A, C, E and G, I, K of the back needle bed are temporarily transferred onto knitting needles I, K, M and O, Q, S of the front needle bed that oppose them.

[0037] Thereafter, in course 6, the back needle bed is racked 14 pitches rightward, and the knitting stitches on the knitting needles X, Z, b of the back needle bed are put back onto the knitting needles l, n, p of the front needle bed, and the knitting stitches on the knitting needles O, Q, S of the front needle bed are put back onto the knitting needles A, C, E of the back needle bed.

[0038] In course 7, the back needle bed is racked 2 pitches rightward, and the knitting stitches on the knitting needles knitting needles d, f, h of the back needle bed are put back onto the knitting needles f, h, j of the front needle bed, and the knitting stitches on the knitting needles I, K, M of the front needle bed are put back onto the knitting needles G, I, K of the back needle bed. This causes a crossed cable pattern to emerge on one end portion of each of the front and back needle beds.

[0039] In course 8, the back needle bed is racked 9 pitches rightward to transfer the knitting stitch on a knitting needle p at an end of the front needle bed onto a knitting needle g of the back needle bed, and the knitting stitch on a knitting needle A of the back needle bed is transferred onto a knitting needle J of the front needle bed. Thus, the tubular knitted fabric that has turned 3 laps clockwise from course 1 to course 4 is turned 1 lap counterclockwise.

[0040] In course 9 and course 10, the knitting stitches on knitting needles n, l of the front needle bed are sequentially transferred onto knitting needles i, k of the back needle bed, and the knitting stitches on knitting needles C, E of the back needle bed are sequentially transferred onto knitting needles H, F of the front needle bed while moving the back needle bed, as in course 8 described above. Thus, the tubular knitted fabric is further turned counterclockwise and set back in the status of course 1, thus completing the formation of the cable pattern.

[0041] As explained in the above embodiment, to form the 3×3 cable pattern, unlike the previously proposed art in which the groups of knitting stitches are crossed stitch by stitch, the crossing can be accomplished by two courses, namely, course 6 and course 7 shown in FIG. 4. Hence, knitting stitches can be easily transferred, permitting improved knitting efficiency. The present invention, however, is not limited to the formation of the 3×3 cable pattern set forth above. More specifically, the present invention is advantageously applied also to a case that involves a number of crossing knitting stitches of 3×3 or more, because idle needles can be secured for transferring stitches.

[0042] Furthermore, in the cable pattern formed in the foregoing embodiment, the knitting stitches of crossed portions are twisted; however, the twisting may be prevented by applying the knitting method for untwisting stitches disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 8-113853 described above, or separate knitting for preventing breakage of yarn at the time of stitch transfer may be carried out, as necessary.

[0043] In short, according to the present invention, two groups of knitting stitches to be crossed so as to form a cable pattern in a tubular knitted fabric are arranged in alignment on one needle bed, the knitting stitches are crossed when they are transferred onto the other needle bed or when the transferred groups of knitting stitches are moved back to the one needle bed, then the crossed groups of knitting stitches are hooked onto the front and back needle beds, thereby forming the cable pattern in the portion extending over the two needle beds.

[0044] Hence, it is needless to say that the flat knitting machine for implementing the present invention is not limited to the aforesaid two-bed type, but may be the so-called “4-bed” type having another pair of needle beds in addition to the two beds.

[0045] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the groups of knitting stitches are arranged on one needle bed to form the cable pattern. Alternatively, however, in the case of, for example, the sweater shown in FIG. 1, when forming the bottom elastic knit portion, the groups of knitting stitches to be crossed may be arranged beforehand on the end portion of either the front or the back needle bed, i.e., set in so-called “offset” state, then the body and sleeve tubular knit fabric may be knitted up to a side where they meet. After that, a lap may be made in the direction for clearing the “offset” to position the cable pattern at a sideline, then the body and the sleeve may be joined.

[0046] In this case, as compared with the case of the embodiment shown above, the number of laps of turning the tubular knitted fabric for forming the cable pattern can be decreased. Alternatively, standard knitting may be performed until the bottom elastic is finished, then after completion of knitting the bottom elastic, the tubular knitted fabric may be turned to form a cable pattern while maintaining the groups of knitting stitches to be crossed in an arranged in alignment state on one of the needle beds until the tubular knitted fabric is formed up to a side. At the side, the tubular knitted fabric is turned in the reverse direction so as to set the cable pattern at the sideline to join the body and the sleeve.

Industrial Applicability

[0047] As explained above, according to the method for knitting a cable pattern in a tubular knitted fabric, groups of knitting stitches to be crossed are arranged on an end portion of a region of either a front or a back needle bed where the tubular knitted baric is formed. While maintaining the arranged condition, the groups of knitting stitches are transferred onto the other needle bed, then they are crossed when they are transferred from the other needle bed back onto the one needle bed, and the crossed knitting stitches are transferred from the other needle bed back onto the one needle bed so as to knit the cable pattern in the tubular knitted fabric. Thus, it is possible to transfer at a time a plurality of knitting stitches to be crossed or transferred.

[0048] This arrangement obviates the trouble of moving a group of crossed knitting stitches one by one, jumping over the other group of knitting stitches, as described in the foregoing publication, thus providing an advantage in which dramatically improved productivity can be achieved. 

1. A method for knitting a cable pattern in a tubular knitted fabric whereby to form a cable pattern in a fabric knitted into a tubular shape by a flat knitting machine comprising at least a pair of front and back needle beds, wherein one group of knitting stitches of groups of knitting stitches to be crossed in a knitted fabric portion extending over the knitting needles of both needle beds is transferred to the other group of knitting stitches, beginning with the knitting stitches at the edge thereof so as to arrange them at an edge of a knitting portion of the tubular knitted fabric on either the front or the back needle bed, both groups of the arranged knitting stitches are transferred to the other needle bed and crossed when they are transferred from the other needle bed back to the one needle bed, and the group of knitting stitches on the inner edge of the crossed two groups of knitting stitches is moved back to the other needle bed, beginning with the knitting stitches on the edge thereof so as to knit the cable pattern on a side edge of the tubular knitted fabric.
 2. A method for knitting a cable pattern in a tubular knitted fabric whereby to form a cable pattern in a fabric knitted into a tubular shape by a flat knitting machine comprising at least a pair of front and back needle beds, wherein tubular knitted fabric is produced in a state in which the groups of knitting stitches to be crossed are arranged at an end portion of either the front or the back needle bed, both groups of the arranged knitting stitches are transferred to the other needle bed and crossed when they are transferred from the other needle bed back to the one needle bed, and the group of knitting stitches on the inner edge of the crossed two groups of knitting stitches is moved back to the other needle bed, beginning with the knitting stitches on the edge thereof so as to further knit the tubular knit fabric. 